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ChurchTechArts is the most widely-read and trusted website for production technology in the house of worship category. No-nonsense equipment reviews, production tips and philosophy of ministry discussions are all part of the three weekly posts. Written by Mike Sessler.

Remember last year when I told you we had some new authors coming on deck here at CTA? Well, I'm excited to introduce you to another one. Matt Lewis is the Pastor of Worship and Arts at Beachpoint Church in Huntington Beach, CA. I've known Matt for a few years now and have always been impressed with his heart for the church, worship and tech guys. A former tech guy himself, he understands what we go through, and I think he's going to bring a great perspective to this site. Welcome Matt!

I hope this post finds you well and that your Christmas and New Year’s brought you memorable times with your teams and families. Now that 2016 is behind me and 2017 stretches out in front of me, I find myself reflecting on the past year and the ways in which this year will be different. Out of that time of reflection, I was struck with the thought of how much lies ahead in 2017. There will be plenty to do, so I thought it could be good to consider the things we should stop doing that will result in leading healthy ministries. These three things aren’t necessarily easy to implement, but I believe they are game changers for each of us and will help us to continue in ministry for a long time.Saying Yes To EverythingWhen was the last time you nicely said, “No, I can't do that?” No tech artist wants to utter the words that something can't be done, but your sanity may be on the line if you don't say, “No.” For some reason, technical artists get asked to do a lot; sometimes the seemingly impossible on a shoestring budget. And, the seemingly impossible gets pulled off, over and over and over again. At what cost to the technical arts team? If the cycle of saying yes to every little thing that comes your way never stops, both you and your team will burn out. What’s the solution?

Be honest with yourself about your and your team’s capacity

Adopt “No” into your vocabulary and learn to use it regularly and politely

It’ll feel weird at first, but keep honoring the boundaries you’ve set in place

Doing It All YourselfWhen was the last time you didn’t operate a piece of equipment on the weekend? If you find yourself in the production booth, mixing week after week—and you like it so much you won't let another person step in—then something is wrong. Attempting to be the guy shouldn’t be the goal of leading a tech arts ministry. Being the guy means everyone comes to you, for everything, all the time. The culture this creates in your organization is one of the false belief that you, as the tech person, are indispensable; without you, things just wouldn't happen. What happens when you leave? Where does this leave the organization?

Empower people to exceed your skill level

Build the culture around a vision not a personality

Lead from the sidelines, not the field

Giveaway responsibilities—consider what things on your plate you can entrust to others on your team

Operating Without Systems, Standards & ProcessesDo you know the how, what and why of you technical arts ministry? If the answer to these questions aren't contained in writing and accessible to your entire team, then it will be nearly impossible to onboard and train new team members, keep consistency week to week and build a culture that is healthy and ordered. It will take the time to sit down and put onto paper what is contained in your mind, but the rewards will be great. What are some practical tips for next steps?